freddie Copeman

I am looking for the experienced advice of travelers in regards to the best points of interest in Italy for a nine year old boy. As it will be hot in August and lines will be long, I am specifically searching for the most worthwhile points in Tuscany, Florence, Rome, and Venice. <BR> If anyone has recommendations to museums, areas of the places mentioned aboce, I would appreciate tips and hints. Thanks!!

hamlet

I went to Europe for the first time when I was 8 and all I was interested in was my next meal. Castle after castle after cathedral after musem was intolerable for me. Now, of course I am older and can't get enough of it. Anyway, food is one thing that can keep a kid interested - try different things in different places. In Rome definitely go to Tre Scalini at Piazza Navona and try the tartufo. In Tuscany maybe visit a winery to show him how they make wine. Sometimes historical sights have more of an impact if you can relate it back to something. Maybe look for a Rick Steves (or other) show on the places you're going to so your kid can see where he'll be travelling to and something may catch his eye and he'll express an interest in going to see it. Or maybe a movie that was filmed there, there are several but I can't think of one that would appeal to a 9 yr old. Roman Holiday is harmless, I guess. In Florence go to see David at L'Academia but the Uffizi musem would probably be too much. <BR>

Cheryl Z.

<BR>Hi - I think you could turn this into a really fun learning adventure for your 9 year old. I'd think Rome would peak a kid's interest in history. He's old enough to read up on some of the places he'll see, like the Coleseum and Forum. He could easily learn some Italian phrases, and may get a kick out of trying to figure out menus and signs etc. Your son is very fortunate to be able to go at this age! <BR> <BR>

kam

Have taken our two boys at various ages, younger and older than your son. I don't think it's so much where you go but to mix it up a bit and really limit the time spent doing things. The catacombs were a hit in Rome as was the Colloseum--the sound and light show at the Forum is good too. David, yes, Uffizi, no. Gelato----lots of pizza, pasta and gelato! Go to the Lido in Venice for a day at the beach. You need to do some homework also--there are some great kids books if you have a top quality childrens' bookstore nearby. Buy a book about the Romans and maybe a simple art book. Don't expect just touring---should have some fun too---I found that they got grouchy when they ran out of calories, so feed him well! <BR>

Michele

It all depends how precocious your son is at 9 years old. We just came back (June 17-July 4) from a trip that began in Geneva, Venice, Florence, and ended in Rome. We saw a lot of 6 to 10 year olds that just looked and acted like they were miserable. The weather was unusually and oppressively hot (even in Switzerland). We waited until this year so that we could take our daughter who is 12. Waiting was the best decision we made. This past school year she had a smattering of mythology in social studies and began an exploratory language program in her 6th grade that covered 9 weeks in each of French, Spanish, Latin, and German. We also brought home books from our local library that were age appropriate on the major artists. In advance of our trip we had purchased Fodor's (excellent!) City Pack tour guides to Rome, Florence, and Venice. They are small yet loaded with a lot of info. In each they list the top 25 sights of each of these cities *on one page*. My only requirement was that she read the *one page* either the night before or the morning we were headed to a particular sight. She tried to keep a journal but was just too exhausted to keep up with it. All of the preparation paid off: she *wanted* to see the Botticellis in the Uffizi, and anything by Michelangelo. She was in awe by the Bernini exhibit at he Borghese museum in Rome. So as I said in the begining, it all depends on the interest that your son has in the things he will see. Finally, in Rome do NOT miss taking him to see the crypt of the Capuchin monks at the Immaculate Church on Via Veneto (Bus #56 stops right in front of the stairs; it's closed on Tuesdays). There the remains or bones of hundreds if not thousands of monks are 'artfully' displayed (lamps made out of clavicles?). It is even better if you don't tell him what he is about to see. My daughter couldn't understand why I was being so mysterious yet thanked me afterwards for keeping it a surprise. <BR>BEST gelato in Florence (if not in Italy)is not Vivoli (sorry Fodor's) but it is Gelateria Carabe. Tell the owners Antonio and Loredana that Michele sent you. We miss them and their exquisite gelati and granite terribly!!!

Cathryn

We took our two sons (11 and 14) to Italy last month. Venice was their favorite city. The streets are like a maze and they didn't have to worry about cars and noisy scooters. They masks and carnival hats intrigued them. Feeding the pidgeons in St Marks square was a big hit, too. <BR>In Rome, they also loved the chapels of the Capuchins monks, mentioned in the note above. It will be hot in August--so look for individual bottles of "acgua minerali" (without gaz) to carry around. In Rome they sold it partially frozen, so the water stayed cold for hours! Our boys loved the Colliseum, and climbing to the top of St Peter's--635 steps! WHEW!. In Florence, they were awed by the David, but also very intrigued by the so-called Prisioners, or Slaves, that are displayed along the corridor leading up to the David. Read up on these in advance. Our kids had a wonderful trip and were great travelers. Keep your in gelati and lots of water and don't try to see everything. Have fun!

jennifer

I recently traveled to Italy with my two year old son. I know nine is much older but I thought I would pass this idea along. We always looked for parks along the way and found quite a few. If you aim for about 1:00pm the local school kids will be around. Jack was included in soccer games and had a blast! Many school kids speak a little English and your son may make a pen pal. <BR> <BR>Also, toy stores are every where in Italy! Have fun.

Ellen

You are a brave one. Florence, Tuscany, Rome AND Venice with a child!!! Pace yourselves. Just remember that you don't have to cram everything into one trip. In Rome, just 2 blocks to the right as you come down the Spanish Steps is the coolest McDonald's! Sounds crazy, but something familiar will feel really good to him! They have fresco walls of animals in the kids section, a killer antipasto salad bar for the adults, TV's in every corner, and Italian Happy Meal toys! The best. How about a renting bikes and going for a ride through the Borghese Gardens. I think there is a zoo there. In Florence, let him buy a bag of pigeon feed and have them land on his arm. Makes for a cute photo op. Just make sure he washes his hands before he eats. Venice--take a water taxi at least once to Murano. May be a rip off as far as glass, but he will enjoy the glass blowing AND most of the drivers will let the kids steer the boat down the canal if they ask. Remember, he is 9. You can go to as many museums and churches as you want, but try not to give him culture overload. Also, if you want to show him a real contrast, take him to the Jewish Ghetto in Venice. The wealth of the church can give them the idea that everyone lived that way. Then let him have his own leftover coins on the flight home to put into the UNICEF envelope. Take home some Italian candy that you can't find at home to share with his friends, a cheap, fun, souvenier. Have a ball!

hamlet